In preparation for the upcoming off-cycle governorship election slated for November 11, the Imo State government, led by Governor Hope Uzodinma, has informed hoteliers to reserve all hotel rooms in the state capital, Owerri, from November 4 to November 12, 2023, for the state government.
The request for the exclusive hotel room reservation is contained in a letter dated October 25, 2023.
Signed by the Commissioner for Tourism, Barrister Jerry Egbule Egemba, the letter was directed to all General Managers of hotels in Owerri.
“I wish to refer to the above subject and inform you that the Ministry of Tourism intends to rent and occupy all the rooms in your hotel, regardless of size and classification, from Saturday, November 4th, to Saturday, November 12th, 2023, at your standard room rates for full occupancy.
“I, therefore, request you to submit details of your accommodation bills for all the rooms covering the specified period for settlement. Your prompt cooperation would be greatly appreciated,” the letter stated.
In response to this development, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, a prominent human rights lawyer and former Chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission, voiced his concerns on his social media platform. He alleged that the government’s action was intended to facilitate election rigging by accommodating election administrators, monitors, embedded reporters, and other stakeholders.
He characterized the move as “organized crime camouflaged as a legitimate transaction.”
The decision to reserve all hotel rooms for the election period has sparked controversy and raised questions about its implications for the integrity of the upcoming election.
